Embark on an adventure by hopping on a catamaran and sailing through the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound in search of orca and humpback whales. See the spectacular natural highlights of Vancouver, watch the salmon run, and stroll through the ancient 1,000-year-old growth trees. Travel on the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler and visit stunning waterfalls. Join a local wildlife expert to search for black bears and enjoy a private tour of the Audain Museum. Explore the Manitoba tundra on a guided hike to glimpse polar bears and other Arctic wildlife in their natural habitat. Take a Zodiac tour and witness the magical sight of thousands of beluga whales congregating near the mouth of the Seal River estuary during summer.
Itinerary Highlights
Search for black bears with a local wildlife expert
Travel the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler
Assist with the research study of Winnipeg’s local songbirds
Guided hikes across the Manitoba tundra to view polar bears and other Arctic wildlife
Enjoy locally-inspired cuisine complemented by select Canadian wines
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
14
Nights
Price Guide
$TBC pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Vancouver
Day 2
Vancouver
This morning, set out to the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound in search of orca and humpback whales in a catamaran that offers majestic 360-degree views from an elevated viewing platform and floor-to-ceiling windows for the ultimate whale-watching experience. In addition to possessing an expert eye for whale sightings, your naturalist guide will also point out various species of birds, as well as other wildlife, such as sea lions, dolphins, harbour seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and more encountered during the cruise. After your cruise, experience some of Vancouver’s nature-based highlights and a stop for a delicious gourmet picnic lunch.
While many folks visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the crowds can ruin your experience. Instead, this afternoon, your private guide will take you to an even better spot to cross the thrilling 50m Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge for a North Shore rainforest walk. Be surrounded by 1,000-year-old growth trees. At Capilano River Canyon, learn the story of the Pacific Salmon, an integral species to the delicate preservation of the larger ecosystem. From April to October, catch a glimpse of the salmon as they run the river to spawn.
Day 3
Vancouver – Whistler
Set out with your guide for a private trip up the Sea to Sky Highway, lauded as one of the most gorgeous drives in North America. Your destination is Whistler Resort, the site of the 2010 Winter Olympic Village. Enjoy panoramic ocean views, sky-high mountains, and glaciers as you travel along the Coast Range. Photo opportunities abound, with optional stops at Shannon Falls and Squamish.
Upon arrival in Whistler, stroll the pedestrian village before boarding the extraordinary Peak-2-Peak Gondola. Spanning the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK provides an unparalleled perspective of the peaks, coastal rainforest, and ancient glaciers. Today, stop at a local’s favorite spot for a delicious 3-course lunch.
Nestled in the rugged Coast Mountains, Whistler offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, and unlimited recreation. At the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains lies the Village, the centre of dining, shopping, and activity. Over the years, Whistler has been home to the Salish Tribe, European trappers, and the Winter Olympics.
Day 4
Whistler
Today, head into the Whistler backcountry in a private luxury 4×4 to search for bears with an expert guide. Travel a maze of private roads and experience the wildlife, glaciers, and rainforests of the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
These areas are home to various wildlife, including eagles, hawks, pika, marmots, hares, deer, and, of course, black bear sows and their cubs. This bear population has been studied for over 20 consecutive years, allowing your guide to share historical insights and special stories of these animals. Although seeing wildlife is never guaranteed, this excursion offers a high success rate.
Back in Whistler, enjoy a 3-course lunch and then visit the Audain Art Museum for a private tour by the museum’s curator.
Day 5
Whistler – Vancouver – Winnipeg
Today, enjoy a private transfer (2 hours) to Vancouver Airport for your departing flight to Winnipeg (flight not included). Upon arrival in Winnipeg, you will be privately transferred to your hotel. The rest of your evening is at your leisure.
Day 6
Winnipeg
After breakfast, enjoy a private tour of just a few of Winnipeg’s city highlights. Meet your guide for a private tour of the world’s first Museum for Human Rights. Hear powerful stories, encounter immersive exhibits and experiences, and gawk at its stunning architectural design. Afterwards, head to one of Winnipeg’s favourite locations – Forks Market, popular with both locals and visitors. Learn of its 6,000-year history as a meeting place and trade hub, including when the Hudson’s Bay Company gifted Queen Elizabeth two live beavers. Enjoy a delicious lunch here, too.
This afternoon, learn about Manitoba’s North ecology, native species and one of its most iconic animals – the polar bear with a private guided tour of the Journey to Churchill exhibit at Assiniboine Park. Go even further behind the scenes with an exclusive tour of the laboratories of the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre and learn about their valuable research and work contributing to wildlife conservation and environmental protection. It also serves as a rescue and transition centre for polar bear cubs who have lost their mothers and have no hope for survival on their own in the wild.
Day 7
Winnipeg
This morning is a special opportunity to develop an intimate connection with nature and participate in an important local research project that’s been intact for over 100 years. Today, you’ll don your researcher hat to witness the cataloguing of important details of the local songbird population and assist with releasing the birds back into the wild. Once complete, relax for a slow paddle in a voyageur canoe with your knowledgeable guide as you cruise through the channels in search of larger waterfowl found in the region. In just this small 36-square-kilometre Wildlife Management Area alone, over 300 bird species have been documented – that’s over half of all of Canada’s bird species!
Returning to Winnipeg, enjoy lunch and some time in Winnipeggers’ favourite day trip town – Gimli. This village has Icelandic roots, and their Viking traditions, myths, and lore can still be seen and felt today.
Afterwards, transfer to The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel. Meet the rest of your group at an orientation dinner for your upcoming Polar Bear adventure.
Day 8
Winnipeg – Churchill
This morning, head to the airport with your group, where you fly to Churchill, then connect to a charter flight that travels over the winding Hudson Bay coast to Seal River Heritage Lodge, your home for the next six days. In the air, look for pods of whales, birds, and, of course, magnificent polar bears.
The Seal River Estuary is a summer favourite for these goliaths, and they are seen swimming or basking near the water’s edge. After arrival and check-in, your hosts will provide a tour of the lodge and an orientation on your daily excursions in polar bear country.
After lunch, explore the coastline, searching for the “Great Ice Bear.” Ensure your camera batteries are charged! Back at the lodge, enjoy appetizer hour followed by dinner. Evenings typically include an informative lecture or slide show presentation narrated by one of your guides or lodge staff.
Day 9-12
Manitoba Polar Bear Adventure
Each day, head out for a memorable marine tour or a hike, searching for polar bears, belugas, and more. Lunch is typically back at the lodge unless guides take you on an ATV excursion further down the coast. Marine tours are tide-dependent, so mealtimes may be adjusted to accommodate whale watching.
Relive the excitement of the day during appetizer hour before sitting down to dinner, then top up your wine and settle in for the evening’s presentation. The lodge staff monitors the area all night so that you may be awakened for a nocturnal visit from a polar bear (or by one of the dazzling displays of northern lights!).
Day 13
Churchill – Winnipeg
After breakfast and check out, we air transfer back to Churchill. Have your cameras ready for the return flight, as it affords excellent opportunities for great aerial shots.
Once in Churchill, spend the day on a guided tour to learn about its rich history as a seaport and ex-military town, including stops such as the Parks Canada exhibit, the Itsanitaq Museum, and the Polar Bear Jail. Along the way, your guide will highlight murals commissioned in 2016 as part of the SeaWalls mural festival. Before a group dinner, your guide will give you free time to shop for last-minute souvenirs at the unique gift stores in Churchill.
Your flight south to Winnipeg will depart this evening. Upon arrival, collect your bags, head out of the arrivals doors and back to your hotel.
Day 14
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $TBC per person
When to travel
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Trying to distil the climate of Canada into an easy-to-understand statement is impossible, given the vast area and diverse geography within the country. Overall, in most places, winters are harsh compared to much of the world, on par with northern Eurasia. The most populated region, southern Ontario, has a less severe climate. Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, is just south of the Arctic Circle and remains very cold except for the months of July and August when the July average maximum is only 12°C. On the other hand, the coastlines of British Columbia are very mild for their latitude, remaining above freezing for most of the winter, yet they are not far away from some of the largest mountain glaciers found on the continent.
January is a tricky time to travel through Canada, as the weather can be quite unpredictable. Some regions may experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall, while others may see milder temperatures and rainy conditions. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination and pack accordingly, with warm layers and waterproof gear. If you're planning on driving, be sure to have winter tires and a full tank of gas in case of any unexpected delays. Overall, it's best to be prepared for anything when travelling through Canada in January.
February is another unpredictable month for travel weather in Canada. Some regions may still experience extreme cold and heavy snowfall, while others may see milder temperatures and rainy conditions. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination and pack accordingly with warm layers and waterproof gear, just as you would in January. Winter tires and a full tank of gas are still recommended if you're planning on driving. It's always best to be prepared for any type of weather when travelling through Canada in the winter months.
As winter slowly fades away, March brings a glimmer of hope for travellers to Canada. The weather begins to warm up in most regions, but it's still important to check the forecast for your specific destination before packing. Some areas may still experience snow and cold temperatures, while others may see milder conditions. It's always a good idea to bring layers that can be easily added or removed, as well as waterproof gear in case of rain or snow. If you plan on driving, winter tires may still be necessary in some areas. Overall, March can be a more comfortable time to travel compared to the harsh winter months, but it's still important to be prepared for any type of weather.
As spring begins to take hold in Canada, April can bring a mix of weather conditions for travellers. While some regions may experience mild temperatures and sunny skies, others may still see snow and colder temperatures. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination before packing and to bring layers that can be easily added or removed. Waterproof gear may also come in handy in case of rain or wet snow. Overall, April can be a great time to travel to Canada, but it's important to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.
As May arrives in Canada, travellers can expect a transition to warmer weather with longer days and more sunshine. However, some regions may still experience cooler temperatures and occasional rain showers. It's important to check the forecast for your specific destination before packing and to bring layers that can be easily added or removed. Waterproof gear may also come in handy in case of rain. Overall, May can be a great time to travel to Canada, but it's important to be prepared for changes in weather conditions.
If you're planning on travelling to Canada in June, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions depending on your destination. In general, the eastern part of the country experiences warmer temperatures and more sunshine during this time of year, with average highs ranging from 19°C to 24°C. However, areas like the Rocky Mountains and northern Canada may still have snow and cooler temperatures, so be sure to pack accordingly. It's always a good idea to check the weather forecast for your specific destination before you go to ensure you're prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
If you're planning a trip to Canada in July, you can expect warm temperatures across most of the country. The eastern part of the country experiences an average high of around 26°C, while the western coast remains cooler with an average high of around 21°C. However, as with any travel, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast for your specific destination to ensure you're prepared for any unexpected changes in the weather. Happy travels!
If you're planning a trip to Canada in August, you can expect warm temperatures across most of the country as well. The eastern part of the country experiences an average high of around 25°C, while the western coast remains cooler with an average high of around 20°C. However, it's always important to check the weather forecast for your specific destination as temperatures and conditions can vary depending on the location. Keep in mind that August is also peak travel season, so it's recommended to book accommodations and activities in advance for a stress-free trip.
September is a great time to visit Canada, as temperatures start to cool down from the summer heat. The eastern part of the country experiences an average high of around 20°C, while the western coast remains cooler with an average high of around 15°C. However, it's always important to check the weather forecast for your specific destination as temperatures and conditions can vary depending on the location. Keep in mind that September is also a popular travel season, especially for fall foliage, so it's recommended to book accommodations and activities in advance for a hassle-free trip.
October is a beautiful time to travel in Canada, but it's important to be prepared for the weather. Generally, temperatures will be cool, ranging from around 5-15 degrees Celsius depending on where you are in the country. In some areas, particularly in the north, snow may start to fall towards the end of the month. It's a good idea to bring layers and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in case of rain or snow. Despite the cooler temperatures, October can still be a great time to enjoy the stunning fall foliage and other outdoor activities.
November is a transitional month in Canada when it comes to weather. Temperatures begin to drop, averaging around 0-10 degrees Celsius depending on where you are in the country. Snow may start to fall in some areas, particularly in the higher elevations. It's important to bring warm layers and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in case of rain or snow. Despite the colder temperatures, November can still be a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.
December is one of the coldest months in Canada, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Celsius in many areas. Snow is a common occurrence throughout the country, which can make for beautiful winter scenery. It's important to bring warm layers and waterproof clothing to stay comfortable in the cold and potentially wet weather. Despite the chilly temperatures, there are still many outdoor activities to enjoy such as ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Be sure to check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling to ensure safe and enjoyable travels.
Add on’s
There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Canadian itinerary, for example you could head Banff and Jasper National Parks, take the Rocky Mountaineer back to Vancouver.
Canada is also easily accessed from Australia either by direct flights to Vancouver or by the main flight hubs of Los Angeles or San Francisco, making it perfect for adding tours in these two fascinating Westcoast US cities.
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